Dwayne Allen on possibility of Rob Gronkowski's absence: 'I always prepare like a starter'

FOXBOROUGH — If Rob Gronkowski isn’t ready to go come Thursday, Dwayne Allen says he’s ready.

The veteran tight end was loose and laid back in the locker room following Tuesday’s walkthrough, a session where the Patriots didn’t have Gronkowski on the field. Given the nature of the quick week, as well as the fact the tight end left Sunday’s game early with a nagging ankle issue, it wouldn’t be a shock if Gronkowski didn’t play against the Colts.

“He’s always there in spirit, if Rob Gronkowski is who you’re referring to,” Allen said with a small smile after he was asked about Gronkowski’s absence from Tuesday’s practice. “He’s always there in spirit. Again, we all have our individual battles — with our bodies, our minds. Whatever it may be. It’s my job to concentrate on myself and go out there and practice.”

If Gronkowski’s ankle sidelines him for Thursday night, Allen — who played a season-high 45 snaps in Sunday’s win over Miami — said he’s prepared to see an uptick in playing time.



“I always prepare like a starter,” said the 6-foot-3, 265-pounder said. “You never know in this league. On this team, our individual assignments vary from week to week, Last week, I was able to go out there and play a little bit more. I was happy for it.”

Allen has appeared to struggle to connect with Brady in the passing game — he had 10 catches for 86 yards in 16 regular-season contests last year — he’s firmly established a rep as one of the better blocking tight ends in the league. It’s a point of pride for the 28-year-old.